Established in 1958 by Camille
Chamoun after he left the presidency, the National Liberal Party (NLP)
was a predominantly Maronite organization, although it had some non-Maronites
and nonChristians in its leadership. More or less a political vehicle
for Chamoun, perhaps the most charismatic of all Christian leaders, the
NLP lacked a coherent ideology or program. Although the NLP never matched
the organizational efficiency of the Phalange
Party, they shared many views, including favoring a free-market economy,
anticommunism, close association with the West, and, most important, the
continuation of Christian political advantage. In the early 1970s, the
NLP claimed 60,000 to 70,000 members and controlled as many as 11 seats
in the Chamber of Deputies, and Chamoun had occupied several ministerial
posts after his term as president.
Chamoun later on headed what was known as The
Lebanese front, a Christian political front, he played an extremely
vital role in founding a resistance front against the Palestinians in
Lebanon. Chamoun also played a vital role against passing what was known
as the tripartite
agreement between Elie
Hobeika, Walid
Jumblatt and Nabih
Berri as he supported Doctor Samir
Geagea against the agreement.
During the War, the NLP and its militia, the Tigers (Numur in Arabic),
number around 3500 participated in the Lebanese Front, and Chamoun was
an active leader in the alliance. On 7 July 1980, "Day of the Long
Knives", Bashir
Gemayel launched a surprise attack against Tigers and absorbed them
into the Lebanese Forces. After
this the political and military significance of the NLP declined. The
party again suffered a severe setback in August 1987 when Chamoun died.
When the TIGER died he was succeeded by his son Dany
Chamoun, who later on supported General Aoun in his double battles
against the Syrians first and then the Lebanese Forces, Dany was assassinated
under mysterious
circumstances.
Dany was succeeded by his brother, Dory
Chamoun, who is now one of the major opposition characters in Lebanon
and a vital member of the Kernet
Shehwan gathering.